Voter participation wins prize for Upton

The town has been presented with the Sen. Louis Bertonazzi Foundation Outstanding Citizenship Award for 2011-2012.

The award to the “Best Voting Community,” is presented biannually to the town that has the highest percentage of its registered voters who actually vote in each election during the two-year cycle. This includes local elections, primaries and state and national elections.

Nineteen communities that were represented by the senator during his years in the state House of Representatives and the Senate participate in the competition. The election results are certified to the foundation through the cooperation of the town clerk in each community.

This year was one of the closest finishes since the start of the award. Upton’s winning participation rate for the elections of 2011-2012 was 29.9 percent, edging out Westboro’s 29.43 percent and that of last year’s winner, Mendon, 29.26 percent.

At the award ceremony, Mr. Bertonazzi presented a check for $1,000 to Upton Town Clerk Kelly McElreath and voter Registrars Eva Fowler and Cynthia Robertson. A plaque was presented to Selectmen Ken Picard, Jim Brochu and Bob Fleming and Town Manager Blythe Robinson.

The town was also presented with a large banner proclaiming Upton as “Best Voting Community.”